If you prefer your art to be edible, the Mandarin Grill + Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is offering a special art inspired lunch and dinner menu until 20th May. Michelin-starred chef, Uwe Opocensky, has spent six months creating a multimedia menu with each course inspired by a different aspect of art. I have it on excellent authority that the food is outstanding and almost too exquisite to eat (but ultimately too delicious to resist). Book early to avoid missing out!

www.mandarinoriental.com
5 Connaught Road, Hong Kong
+852 2522 0111
Google map: bit.ly/JinZU4

* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/

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I was introduced to this restaurant by a holiday romance. He insisted it was the best place for seafood in Portugal - he was right. The fantastic but cheap food kept me here all evening, as well as the good selection of wines. It has a great atmosphere with a fantastic view of the coast. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in freshly caught seafood - a truly traditional Portuguese meal.

Estrada da Praia da Bordeira, Carrapateira
8670-230 Bordeira
+351 282 973 119
Google map: bit.ly/KLjmj0

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We spent Easter this year in Lisbon which is full of fabulous places to eat, but the best by a mile was our 'splash out' meal at Olivier Restaurant. By Lisbon standards it's pricy, but compared to a similar meal in London it's an absolute bargain when compared to other 'celeb chef' places. I had the most tender melt in your mouth buttered fish and my plus one had a perfectly cooked steak with champagne, decent wine and finishing off with the best crepes suzette ever. Go treat yourself if you're in Lisbon!

www.restaurante-olivier.com
Rua do Alecrim, 23, 1200 - 014 Lisbon
Google map: bit.ly/KfgdaW

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A wonderful find, deep in the Umbrian countryside - a bed and breakfast but so so much more. Ca'di Gosto is part of the slow cooking movement offering great food and even cooking lessons. Set among terraces of olive trees, most of the produce is grown by the owners Jenny and David and it's home of the best eggs have ever had.
It is a beautifully renovated Umbrian Farmhouse with wonderfully decorated bedrooms with en-suites, and the luxury of a swimming pool and Jenny the chef to cook for you. The whole place is a feast to the eyes.
If you are not an animal lover then maybe it's not the place for you as Jenny and David have a lovely family of beautiful dogs, a couple of cats and an array of chickens and bantums all with there own characters!
A truly lovely and food filling pleasure.

www.slowcooking.homestead.com
+39 348 323 6704
Google map: bit.ly/IZ9Lmi

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It's a cafe, restaurant and bar with a terrace with great views facing the Hudson.

www.boatbasincafe.com/
West 79th Street, New York, NY, United States
+1 212 496 5542
Google map: bit.ly/Jr3mlC
It's where W79 St meets the Hudson. Take a 1 train to 79 St and walk west (downhill), or take the M79 bus a block or so. Walk under the West Side Highway and keep going. You don't see it till you're there.

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Comala, known as “White Village of America” is a little Municipality of the State of Colima on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It has a beautiful square and around it there are the "Portales of Comala", restaurants of a kind where you ask for a drink and they put the food ("Mexican antojitos"). You can eat with the "mariachi music" and with Colima's volcano and pass a good time. You have to taste the local drink "the Ponche of Comala"

www.comala.gob.mx/
Google map: bit.ly/KODN06

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Nerja, an attractive fishing-based resort east of Malaga, has good beaches and traditional bars in the old town. Try the tapas of fresh seafood (free with your £1.30 crisp dry white) while your children play football in the street. Our local was family-owned, their boat bringing the catch straight back to the restaurant. There is a long sandy beach where on Sundays enormous dishes of paella are cooked on charcoal fires (£6.50 with free second helpings). Finish the night out with chocolate and churros, the whole family walking safely back at midnight in this friendly, mellow seaside town.

Google map: bit.ly/J7vqis

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I first discovered La Mariposa fresh off a flight at 10pm last summer - greeted by a beautiful local husband and wife duo who run the restaurant. You always know a good tapas bar when all of the customers are locals.
Nerja is one of the few places in Andalucia that still offer free tapas with a drink and in Mariposa they offer their best - truly showing off the local culinary skills and knowledge.
The owner has a top selection of Spanish riojas which beautifully compliment the food.
Personal food recommendations are the Aubergine Tempura drizzled with Frigiliana Molases followed by the locally caught Langoustine's in a potato lattice accompanied by the curry dip.
This is fine dining in an authentic little hub- excellent value for money!!
I would fly to Spain for some right now if I could!

Calle Cristo 120, Nerja, Spain
+34(0)627504840
Google map: bit.ly/IDYSvo

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China Club is a private members club owned by Sir David Tang housed over three floors in the former Bank of China Building (the new Bank of China Building towers sleek and angular across the road - you can’t miss it, look for the glossy black building with criss-crossing white lights). Although you usually have to be or know a member to get a reservation, most hotels should be able to get you a booking with enough notice and Black Amex Card holders can get Amex to book for them. The grey, brightly-lit street level entrance appears unimpressive but ride the Old Master Q cartoon lined lift up to the thirteenth floor and prepare to be wowed.
As the lift doors open you’re greeted by a lobby crammed with striking modern art, dark wooden floors and a wrought iron Art Deco staircase curving upwards to your left. The extensive Chinese art collection deserves a mention in its own right, and alone justifies a visit to the China Club. From Yu Youhan’s diptych of Whitney Houston next to Chairman Mao hanging on the stairs to Liu Jianhua’s porcelain fish bowl in the lobby - home to five pairs of protruding, disembodied legs as well as several live goldfish who casually swim around the scattered limbs. The restaurant is designed to resemble a decadent 1930s Shanghai club and everything from the ceiling fans to the lamps conjure a bygone colonial era.
Start with aperitifs up on the 14th floor in the Long March Bar, a glamorous slice of art deco opulence. After you gin & tonic, head back past the shoe-shiners and an enormous pair of wooden shoes to the main dining room. Slip into one of the red leather and dark wood booths and get your chopsticks at the ready for the Cantonese feast to follow. Be sure to order the Peking duck, I think it’s the best in Hong Kong. While you eat, if the people watching doesn't keep you entertained enough (Victoria Beckham visited on her recent trip to Hong Kong), prepare to be wowed by the chef who spins ribbons of noodles right in front of your table and the waiter with the watering-can-like teapots who serves your tea with a side of drama. After dinner, decamp upstairs to the elegant terrace for nightcaps under the stars overlooking the city lights.

12/F, The Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central, Hong Kong Island.
+(852) 2521 8888
Google map: bit.ly/IQcv85

* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/

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Dim Sum became the noughties' sushi in the UK with the advent of fast food dim sum chains like Ping Pong. Before arriving in Hong Kong I'd eaten plenty of dim sum in London but the slightly gummy, insipid little parcels I was used to bore no resemblance to the real deal served up in Hong Kong’s dim sum restaurants. A dim sum lunch is a real Hong Kong must-do. Eating dim sum at a restaurant is known as “going to drink tea”, or “yum cha” in Cantonese. It’s customary for Cantonese families to gather at the weekend to eat dim sum together so particularly on a Saturday and Sunday, expect busy, noisy restaurants packed with large chattering groups.
While I make no claim that the Yum Cha at Maxim's Palace is the best in Hong Kong (I'm still on a quest to discover that, and will keep you posted on my findings), the dim sum's very good, you get great harbour views and it’s also one of only a handful of restaurants in Hong kong which still uses the old school dim sum trolleys. Come at lunchtime but be prepared for a wait - Maxim's doesn't take bookings and it gets pretty hectic, particularly at weekends. Queueing over, take your seat in the large red and gold dining hall and sip on Jasmine tea while keeping a close eye on the trolleys being
wheeled between the tables. Each trolley is laden with bamboo dim sum steamers. When a trolley passes by and you spot something that you fancy, stop the waitress and grab a basket. Struggling to decide what to opt for? I suggest that you try a little bit of everything but my top dim sum picks are: har gau (shrimp dumplings), char sui bau (steamed barbeque pork buns), cheung fan (rice paper rolls which come with various fillings aka Chinese ravoili), sui mai (pork dumplings), and Xiaolongbao (steamed pork soup dumplings originating from Shanghai). If you’re feeling particularly brave, try
the chicken’s feet which actually don’t taste as bad as they look but are not the easiest thing to eat if you’re a little inexperienced with chopsticks. Lunch over, leave City Hall with a tummy full of dumplings and the clatter of the dim sum carts ringing in your ears and head for a stroll along the harbour front to work it all off.

City Hall Maxim's Palace
2/F, City Hall Low Block, Hong Kong Island.
+(852) 2521 1303
Google map: bit.ly/JZ2YQ6

* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/

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This is one of my favourite spots for a laid-back evening with great food, strong cocktails and a bit of light barstaff oggling. Yardbird, a yakatori restaurant, opened late last year and was an instant hit. Located just on the edge of Soho, the restaurant's USP is nose-to-tail, Izakaya-style dining of the chicken variety. Always packed, this buzzy two level restaurant feels more New York than Hong Kong. You can't make a reservation, so head down early, put your name on the list and while you wait for a table, pull up a bar stool, get stuck into a bowl of edamame and start working your way through the cocktail list. The black t-shirt clad bar staff (who all look like off-duty models) mix seriously strong cocktails while knowledeably and enthusiastically guiding you through the menu. From your standard chicken cuts like breast and wing to the more unusual like knee and tail, all items on the menu are made from birds delivered fresh that day so be sure to order before the most popular dishes sell out. My top picks are the salty, lemony oysters (not the type from the sea, but the fabled circular nuggets of meat from just beside the thighs – the juciest and tastiest meat on the chicken) and the moreish chicken meatballs. Spy KFC on the menu and wonder whether you've had one too many cocktails? Well don't be fooled and don't miss out - KFC actually stands for Korean fried cauliflower. These florets of cauliflower encased in a light, crispy, sweet and sour batter come studded with sesame seeds and are the perfect accompaniment to all the chicken deliciousness.
At the end of the night your bill arrives complete with a little sachet of Yardbird spicy seasoning to take home. Super cool, lots of fun, you’re guaranteed an evening of delicious, unusual food. As the restaurant’s tagline goes – Come Early, Come Often.

yardbirdrestaurant.com/
33 Bridges Street, Hong Kong Island.
+(852) 2547 9273
Google map: bit.ly/IQaWqE

* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/

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Just inland from the Atlantic coast this sleepy seaside town from where Columbus sailed (see his travels in ‘The Ice House museum’), comes to life in the summer months. Horse racing on the sands, trips across the short stretch of water to seek out the elusive Iberian Lynx in the beautiful Coto Doñana National park (day trip Eu35 per adult).
And the most fabulous fish dishes at the quay side restaurants, washed down with the famous ‘Manzanilla’, a fine, dry local sherry. What more could you ask?

www.sanlucar-de-barrameda.com
Google map: bit.ly/IADW8s

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San Sebastian nestles in a shell-shaped bay where the 'Comb of the Wind', the jaw-dropping iron sculptures of Eduardo Chillida, cast huge, bold shapes from the water's edge. We enjoyed many strolls along the wide golden beaches, and avoided an afternoon shower in the Aquarium (Pza Carlos Blasco Imaz) with 5000 fish species and spectacular underwater tunnel. Harbourside restaurants abound, serving an enticing array of pintxos including tasty sardines washed down with the local sidra. For a truly memorable experience, travel 10 minutes to Zarautz, to the Karlos Arguinano, a fabulous on-the-beach restaurant with rooms. Delicious sea-bream for dinner, then breakfast on the sands at sunrise - magical!

www.sansebastianturismo.com
www.hotelka.es
Calle de Mendilauta, 13 20800 Zarautz, Spain
+34 943 13 00 00
Google map: bit.ly/JU3mfK

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Fantastic bustling seaside town, just a few miles from San Sebastian, that has something for everyone.
Mile long sandy beach for families and great surfing. Beach is spotlessly clean and there are Red Cross Lifeguards all along the beach keeping everyone safe. Places to hire surfboards and surf schools.
Dozens of beach bars and restaurants along the promenade and a great town centre where the competition among the pintxo (basque tapas) bars ensures great quality and choice. A stroll along the promenade then grazing from bar to bar along with thousands of others is the evenings entertainment.
Karlos Arguinano is a TV chef with a stunning restaurant almost on the beach and with great views of the sunset.
Ideal for a day out if staying in San Sebastian or less than hour from Biarritz!
Beach all day - bars all night - stunning sunsets - perfect holiday

www.sansebastianturismo.com
www.hotelka.es
Calle de Mendilauta, 13 20800 Zarautz, Spain
+34 943 13 00 00
Google map: bit.ly/JU3mfK

www.hotelka.com
www.turismozarautz.com

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The small fishing village of Caleta de Famara, on the north west coast of Lanzarote, is everything the bustling south coast isn't. A haven from the tourists spots, it has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach on the island, which is surrounded by the stunning backdrop of plunging cliffs. The village itself has just a few small restaurants. Restaurante Sol doesn't look much from the outside, but the fresh fish is delightful so don't be deceived by its exterior!

www.lanzaroteguidebook.com/destination/caleta-de-famara

Restaurante Sol:
Salvavidas 48 La Caleta De Famara
+34 928 52 87 88
Google map: bit.ly/Ij0WaZ

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A lovely little Italian place off the main drag in Chamonix which does spectacular pizzas. I had the marinara which was huge and had a beautiful tomato sauce and the dough was just perfect - thin, a bit crispy, bit squidgy. Glass of perfect temperature Barbera topped it all off nicely. The other clientele ranged from gnarly looking climber types, to families and couples. Low lighting, no fuss decor and you can eat at the heavy wooden bar if you want. In a town where eating out generally leaves you broke it's good value, unpretentious and tasty.

www.casavalerio.net/
90 Rue Lyret 74400 Chamonix, France
+33(0)4 50 55 93 40
Google map: bit.ly/IvWqFm

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Although Dublin’s dramatic coastline can be reached within a few minutes of the city centre, the slower pace of life makes it seem like it could be a million miles away.
I suggest a trip to scenic Howth and the village of Malahide on the north side or the equally pretty Dalkey and Killiney on the south side of the city. If you like seafood, indulge in Dublin Bay’s finest in King Sitric restaurant in Howth or Guinea Pig in Dalkey village. Advanced booking is recommended.

www.kingsitric.com/
East Pier, Howth, Co. Dublin, Rep. of Ireland.
(+353 1) 832 5235
Google map: bit.ly/K6D4Zs

www.guineapig.dalkey.info/
17 Railway Road Dalkey, dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland
+353(0)1 285 9055
Google map: bit.ly/IXsYa8
* Fiona is our Been there local for Dublin. You can follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/FionaHilliard and read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/trails/been-there-locals.jsp. She also has her own blog: www.traveledits.com

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In Granada, when you order a drink in bars it comes accompanied with a free little (or not so little) dish of typical food. Normally, the food could be meat in sauce, squid, little fish, sandwiches, potato omelette, etc.
The Granada people go out for "Tapeo" and only asking for two drinks they can have dinner.
We recommend it because is a typical custom in Granada and it is very important to live this custom to understand the kind of life of there. And it is a very cheap way to have dinner.

In all bars you can take a "Tapa" with your drink, but the typical place is in the center, near the bull ring ("Plaza de toros").
www.turgranada.es/?id_idioma=2
Google map: bit.ly/IJxcCF

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Tomaso restaurant is by far the best place we ate in the whole of Croatia. It's situated in the lovely historic town of Pula on the Istrian coast. It was recommended to us by the tourist office but only after we begged the woman to tell us somewhere where we could get real,wholesome, traditional Croatian food. Situated on one of the main roads leading out of the city, Tomaso is small and easy to miss so keep an eye out. This locals hangout is unlike many of the other restaurants in town without a pestering maitre'd or menu catered to tourists. It dished up fresh homemade meats,oven baked vegetables and creamy pasta style dishes but in a way like I have never tasted before. My boyfriend was a vegetarian but things changed after our first visit here. However they do vegetable options too. Avoid the expensive pizza places on the strip in the main town and head here for a real, authentic taste of Croatian food and culture. Every time I come back to Pula, Tomaso is the first place I hit up, knowing it will be my best meal in the country. (£3-£10 per person)

11 Zagrebačka, 52100, Pula, Croatia
+385 (052) 216027
Google map: bit.ly/Ii7t6U

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A vibrant, interesting, vegetarian volunteer-run cafe with great food and cakes. Around the corner from the new SeaCity exhibition about the Titanic.
Art, craft shop, cheap books and super food, what is not to like?

www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk/
178 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DW
+44(0)7773 128786
Google map: bit.ly/I8lb7M

www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk

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